Giving back to the Natural World: Our Afternoon Restoring Hedgerows with CPRE

At Winchester Youth Counselling, we believe that giving back to the natural world as well as spending time in the natural environment is key to wellbeing. Last week, our Nature Therapy group joined the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) for a hedgerow restoration project, supporting local wildlife and the environment.
Hedgerows are vital to the countryside. They provide shelter for animals, act as natural corridors, and help combat climate change by absorbing carbon. Yet, over half of England’s hedgerows have disappeared in the last century. CPRE is working to reverse this trend through initiatives like the Hedgerow Heroes project.
Getting Stuck In
Our team, including Ellie and Yolanda, spent the afternoon planting new hedgerows, helping to restore lost habitats and improve biodiversity. Working with the soil, learning about native plants, and seeing the direct impact of our efforts was incredibly rewarding.
Nature Therapy is all about connecting with the outdoors to support mental health. Activities like this encourage mindfulness, reduce stress, and boost confidence. It was a brilliant experience to contribute to something bigger, while also benefiting from the calming effects of being outside.
Hedgerow Heroes in Hampshire
We’re proud to be part of CPRE’s Hedgerow Heroes project, which has entered its fourth year with local CPRE groups across eight regions, including Hampshire. This season, over 2,000 metres of hedgerows will be planted and restored, with efforts led by volunteers, community groups, schools, and landowners.
CPRE Hampshire continues its important work as part of the Hedgerow Heroes project, contributing to the wider Hampshire Hedge initiative. This project aims to create a 14-mile-long network of hedgerows, linking the South Downs and New Forest National Parks. By restoring these vital green corridors, CPRE Hampshire is not only helping local wildlife thrive but also strengthening Hampshire’s natural landscape for future generations (CPRE, 2024).
Playing a part in this important mission through our Nature Therapy sessions, is a wonderful honour and allows us to continue to support both the environment and mental wellbeing.
Looking Ahead
We’ll be returning for another session at the end of February to continue the planting. A huge thank you to CPRE for their fantastic work and for involving us in this important project.






